Founded in 1636 as a haven for religious freedom, Providence rebranded itself in 2009 "the creative capital’’ of Rhode Island, a fitting description of its rich cultural and artistic opportunities.

On a single day trip, visitors can enjoy a world-class museum, historic houses, an active seaport, great shopping and festivals that celebrate the city’s creative diversity.

There are still several weekends to partake of Providence’s signature attraction, WaterFire, magical evenings when more than 80 bonfires blaze on the city’s three rivers, illuminating music, arts and culinary delights along its banks.

NIGHTS ABLAZE: Celebrating its 20th year since lighting its first bonfire, WaterFire Providence will offer six more full lightings in 2014 including two more "full’’ lightings before Labor Day on Aug. 9 and 23. To the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, visitors can stroll along the city’s arched bridges, pausing to enjoy music, international cuisine and performing artists.

Full lightings feature more than 80 braziers from Waterplace Park to Memorial / South Main Street Park and take place from after sunset to 12:30 a.m. Smaller "basin’’ lightings are scheduled for Sept. 4 and 19 and Nov. 29 and light a circle of 22 braziers in the Waterplace Park Basin and five others leading to Providence Place Mall. For info, visit www.waterfire.org.

ART HISTORY: The Museum of the Rhode Island School of Design offers more than 90,000 works of art of every kind from ancient Egypt to the giants of the last century to the cutting edge of contemporary art. Filling five buildings including the new $34 million Chase Center, the museum, which has the largest collection of 20th century art in the U.S., is located at 20 North Main St. For info, visit www.risdmuseum.org.

HOUSE HUNTING: Visitors can explore Providence’s rich history by exploring some of its most famous houses and churches.

Located at 1 Benevolent St., the First Baptist Church is the oldest house of worship of that denomination and a fine example of the classical architecture of the mid-1700s. The premier 18th century house and museum of the state, the John Brown House Museum at 52 Power St. provides a revealing glimpse of early American wealth and power during hour-long tours through meticulously restored rooms. Located at 15 Hopkins St. and built in 1708, the Governor Stephen Hopkins House was occupied by a signatory of the Declaration of Independence and governor of Rhode Island. For Victorian opulence, stop by the Governor Henry Lippitt House at 199 Hope St.

GET FESTIVE: Over the next few months, visitors can enjoy several festivals and events that will satisfy special interests and diverse tastes.

Looking for fleas? Scratch your urge for a new flea market by visiting the Providence Flea which offers cool vendors, live music and food trucks and more every summer Sunday through Sept. 14 on the Providence River Greenway across from 345 South Water St.

Page 2 of 2 - Running from Aug. 5 to 10, the 18th Rhode Island International Film Festival offers more than 200 feature films, documentaries and short subjects, including several premieres from around the world. Showing in Providence, Newport and satellite locations, the festival has gained a reputation for the breadth of its offerings including drama, comedy, sci-fi, Jewish, French and gay and lesbian fare. For info, visit www.film-festival.org.

On Sunday, Aug. 10, the Classic and Antique Car Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Roger Williams Park Zoo at 1000 Elmwood Ave. After viewing the wildlife, visitors can check out automotive treasures from the past throughout the grounds. They can vote their favorite and enjoy a winner’s ceremony at 4 p.m. Free with zoo admission.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 20, the FirstWorks Urban Carnevale will bring never-before-seen-here performances from Australia, Italy, Morocco, Mali and Rhode Island to Providence’s City Center, Kennedy Plaza. At the free festival, visitors will see the high flying daredevils of Australia’s Strange Fruit, the wild dances of Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino of southern Italy and the gypsy spirit of a funk-jazz fusion by Morocco’s Rihab Fusion. For info, visit www.First-works.org.